Events

Donald A. Nephew

Donald A. Nephew, 78, formerly of Plattsburgh, passed away at his home Thursday, Aug. 15, in Edgewater, Fla., after a long illness.
He was born June 22, 1941, in Malone, N.Y., to Robert P. Nephew and Kathleen Durham Nephew. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Ronald Nephew and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He attended school in Saranac Lake until he moved to Plattsburgh, graduating from Plattsburgh High School in 1959. He attended Plattsburgh State College where he met his future wife, Barbara G. Nephew of Warrensburg, N.Y. He excelled in sports, especially in basketball in both high school and college.
In addition to his wife he is survived by their three daughters, Bonnie Ford of North Las Vegas, Nev., Laurie Mitchell of Plattsburgh, N.Y., and Pamela Dickinson and husband Jeff Dickinson of Peru, N.Y., nine grandchildren, Steven Ford, Kevin (Melissa) Ford, Mychal Ford, and Allison Ford; Barrett Mitchell and Benjamin Mitchell; William Lighthall, Andrew Lighthall, and Alex Lighthall, and three great-grandchildren.
Don worked with several airlines before retiring from Air North. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, and coaching in his earlier years. He was an active Elk member in New York and Florida. Don and his wife moved to Florida in 2012 for warmer weather and time at the ocean. They also enjoyed an active life with friends and were members of the New Smyrna Shuffleboard Association where Don was also an officer.
Calling hours will be on Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, from 4:00-6:00pm at the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, at 10:00am at St. Peter's Church. Interment will follow in Whispering Maples Mausoleum.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home,29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, N.Y. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com
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I knew Donnie when he and I worked together two summers in the lab at Plattsburgh's Georgia Pacific Pulp and Paper mill in the mid-60's. I was a young engineering student; and he was given the job of mentoring me in paper making technology. He was knowledgeable, friendly, had a great sense of humor and was an extremely gifted athlete. He helped me figure out which way was up without ever being critical. After engineering school I went off to Cornell to get my doctorate and left the state for 5 decades.So, he and I fell out of touch although I always remembered him fondly. Don loved to go over to Mickey's Italian restaurant for a beer after work and occasionally we would grab a bite to eat th...ere as well. We played softball together in the local fast-pitch industrial league and travelled together to other G-P sites. As I meant to say above, Don was a true gentleman and I am sorry to hear that he has left us. My sympathy to his family and friends.
Bill CampRead more

Lenny Smallacombe

Aug 24, 2019

God Bless The Nephew Family During These Sad and Difficult Times. I remember Don and Graduated From MAI in 1959. Don was A Good Person.

Grant and Dottie Broderick

Aug 23, 2019

Our very deepest sympathy to all of Don’s family for your loss of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. We were in school together and I cheered for him, but Grant played against him on the court. God bless you all.